The best things to do during the winter school holidays in Melbourne and beyond

Join Bluey and her family in this theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award-winning children’s show. Brought to life by puppets, you’ll watch Bluey and Bingo pull out all sorts of games to get Dad off his bean bag. Find Bluey’s Big Play at the Comedy Theatre from July 1 to 12. Learn more here.

The popular Firelight Festival is coming back to Docklands. Warm up by fiery sculptures and fire pits, see fire artists, tuck into some toasty food and check out a new laser and light show. It’s free to attend, and on from July 3 to 5.

This virtual reality adventure was created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Stand on the edge of black holes, see a supernova, explore an exoplanet and much more. Smithsonian Starstruck launches at 206 Bourke Street in Melbourne on July 3.

Check out the Children’s Play exhibition by Ragnar Kjartansson at NGV International. Located in the Children’s Gallery, this exhibition is free to visit. Kids can express their creativity with hands-on activities, like sketching food, building dessert sculptures with cushions and putting on costumes. There’s plenty of other artsy activities for the school holidays, like drawing and painting sessions. Learn more here.

Journey back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth at Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary. Wander along trails and marvel at over 60 animatronic dinosaurs in this prehistoric event. Dinos at the Zoo is running from now until Sunday, July 12.

Remember, children under 16 can visit Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Kyabram Fauna Park for free on school holidays and weekends.

Explore a whole new world of magic and enchantment at Disney On Ice. Watch your favourite characters come to life, while performing high-flying acrobatics, surprising stunts and of course, world-class ice skating. Find it at Rod Laver Arena from July 2 to 6.

There’s a whole stack of things for kids to try at Melbourne Museum over the winter school holidays. Celebrate the Rome exhibition with some family-friendly activities, like a gladiator workshop. Join one of the Tiny Tours to learn more about animals, take part in a museum sleepover and more. See what’s happening over the school holidays here.

Is your child currently obsessed with the World Cup? Take them to see the exhibition, Home is Football: Belonging in Australian Soccer at the Immigration Museum. This exhibition explores how football is a source of community across a range of groups in Australia. It also highlights the stories of current and former football players, like Ange Postecoglou, Lydia Williams and Thomas Deng. This exhibition is free for those under 16. Learn more here.

The Immigration Museum is lighting up with the striking, immersive show, Eonarium: Enlightenment. Paired with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, you’ll feel hypnotised by colourful projections that will sweep you away on a journey through spring, summer, autumn and winter. This experience ends on July 5. Get your tickets here.

Visit Scienceworks over the school holidays, and check out the spectacular Colour exhibition. Then, enjoy live science shows and see fulldome flicks in the Planetarium. See what’s on here.

ACMI and the ABC are celebrating 60 years of Play School! Young fans are encouraged to visit this free exhibition, and explore the behind-the-scenes of this beloved show. Play School: Come and Play! is great for those aged two to five, and is running from now until July 12. For more family-friendly events at ACMI, click here.

After delighting visitors in New York, Balloon Story has landed at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Float over to this imaginative wonderland filled with intricate sculptures made from over 400,000 balloons. Get your tickets here.

Kids can take part in some free and low-cost events at State Library Victoria, like a Drive-In Storytime event, writing workshops and craft activities. On top of that, the Pauline Gandel Children Quarter is open daily, with about 4,000 books for children 12 and under. See the school holiday program here.

Visit SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and meet their new saltwater croc, Coowoonga. Then, explore the rest of the awesome wildlife around the aquarium. See what the kids can get up to during the school holidays here.

Take your little foodie on an underwater, culinary adventure at Le Petit Wonders of the Sea. This themed high tea at The Westin Melbourne features an array of sweet and savoury delights, inspired by the magic of the ocean. Learn more about it here.

The gorgeous, after-dark experience, Lightscape, is back in the Royal Botanic Gardens for a fifth season. Wander through the green heart of Melbourne and feel enchanted by 15 new and returning installations. Lightscape will illuminate Melbourne from now until Sunday, August 2.

If you’ve ever wanted to wander through a dreamscape made of shimmering bubbles and glowing colours, then drift over to Bubble Planet. Perfect for all ages, this immersive experience invites you to explore ten playful, interactive environments designed to awaken your senses. Find it at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick. Get your tickets here.

You’ll be kept on your toes at 123Boom!, an immersive puzzle adventure where you and your team are tasked with diffusing a ‘bomb’ to save the day. To do so, you’ll require teamwork, skill, and problem-solving, all racing against the clock as the story advances and the seconds tick down. It’s open now, and you can find your tickets here.

See the largest magic festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, right here in Melbourne. This year, feel enchanted by 320 performances in 59 different shows. The Melbourne Magic Festival is on from now until July 11. More info here.

Round up some friends and tackle some fun challenges at SENSAS. Test all five of your senses in some wacky experiences. This playful space is now open, and is suitable for visitors over the age of 7. Get your tickets here.

Get out on the water over the school holidays by taking a ride with Port Phillip Ferries. Kids can stay busy on a 90-minute adventure on a Junior Captain Adventure Cruise, where they’ll solve clues, complete challenges and hunt for treasures.

If you’d rather try something else, kids aged 16 and under can go for free on a Nature Lovers Cruise, where you’ll look out for wildlife in Port Phillip Bay. See what’s available here.

Challenge yourself and your teammates to escape Prison Island. Instead of breaking out from a single room, you’ll take on a series of tasks in multiple cells and race against the clock. This experience is suitable for those aged 7+. Find it at The District Docklands. Grab your tickets here.

Embark on an immersive and playful experience at IMAGINATOR in Docklands. Move through this family-friendly space and feel lost in a world of colour and sound. Learn more here.

The first in Australia of its kind, ArtVo is an immersive art or ‘trick art’ gallery. Journey through 1400 square meters of illusionary art pieces, and have fun taking pictures in weird and wonderful situations! There are nine themed zones to explore with over eighty hand-painted immersive installations. Explore the ocean, polar ice caps, space, and the forest throughout the various themed rooms.

This is a great activity to do as a family, and you’ll be able to create many fun family photos that will provide you with lasting memories.

Head to The District Docklands and go on a space adventure at Saboteurs. Set inside converted shipping containers, this Among Us-style game is perfect for school holiday activities in Melbourne. Kids can run around in this immersive environment, complete fun tasks and eject any suspicious imposters. Get your tickets here.

Flip your perspective at House Down Under. Head to Docklands and enter an inverted house that looks like it dropped straight from the sky! Walk in and take heaps of fun photos, while exploring the upside-down rooms. See more here.

Head to Queensbridge Square in Southbank for the largest Pokémon GO event in Melbourne. In this free event, Trainers can take connect, trade and explore together, collect a free Pikachu visor and have fun with immersive photo opportunities. The Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global event will run from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12. Read more here.

Metartworld is a metal art gallery in Port Melbourne that’s filled with unique artworks from international artists. Marvel at over 200 metal sculptures, each handmade from scrap metal and recycled material.

There is also a a “starry sky” exhibition on the second floor which displays a perfect combination of advanced technology with the world of light and shadows. There’s different themed spaces, an immersive 360° tunnel and more.

While you’re there, play some VR games and have a blast in the 9D Flying Cinema. This is an incredible experience that is great for groups of all ages and sizes.

Step back in time and try to solve the case at Pentridge Prison. Work together to thwart an escape plan on the immersive family tour, PrisonBreak Explorers. Find out more.

Take an intimate look at the human body in the thought-provoking exhibition, BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness. Witness real human specimens, frozen in time, and learn how emotions can change the body from the inside out. This exhibition is suitable for all ages, but some of the installations do contain mature content. Get your tickets here.

Grazeland is celebrating the winter school holidays with festive vibes, including falling snow, twinkling lights and seasonal dishes. Throughout winter, they will also be showing FIFA World Cup matches live, as well as AFL and NRL games. While you’re there, take advantage of their $25 feeds, which include one main meal and one dessert. More details here.

Journey 450 years ago to the legendary Inca citadel. Developed with leading archaeological experts, this virtual reality experience, you’ll explore Machu Picchu and see the agricultural terraces, the Temple of the Sun and more, surrounded by the majestic Andes. Find it at 206 Bourke St. Get your tickets here. 

Diamond Valley Railway is getting ready to shine its way through the night with a Winter Light Spectacular. Hop aboard the mini train, journey through the bushland of Eltham Lower Park and feel delighted by the sparkling light show. If the weather is right, this enchanting evening event will take place on Sunday, July 5, from 6pm to 9pm.

Does your child love a challenge? Take part in the Spartan Kids Holiday Workout Session, a high-energy experience for kids who love to move and conquer obstacles. Find it at Saltwater Reserve on July 3, and Wyndham Park on July 10.

Journey through lush forests and across trestle bridges on the famous Puffing Billy. Opt for something classic and let your legs dangle from the carriage sill, while admiring dreamy views from this iconic steam train. Perfect for all ages, this experience in the Dandenong Ranges is a great way to spend the school holidays.

Adventure Park has brought back their dazzling Winter Glow experience. Escape to their delightful winter wonderland, and frolic in the snow, go on the rides, see ice sculpting displays, get a makeover in the Enchanted Snow Salon and more. This event is on from now until August 29. Find out more.

Stroll through this gold rush attraction in Ballarat, and gaze in wonder as the streetscapes and goldfields transform into a winter wonderland. Look forward to dazzling light projections, falling snow, fun activities, live music and more. Winter Wonderlights is on from now until July 19. While you’re there, stick around for the Ballarat Winter Festival.

Bendigo has lit up with projections, light shows and interactive moments in Rosalind Park. Electric Wonderland is back for the winter school holidays from now until July 12. Learn more about it here.

Take your school holiday activities to new heights by escaping to the Otways and soaring through native Australian forest at Treetops Adventure in Yeodene Park. There’s different ropes courses for you to choose from, with aerial activities, ziplines and freefall drops. There’s also two junior ropes courses for the little ones, as well as high monkey bars and a pegasus you can ride. Get your tickets here.

Gumbuya World is getting you and the whole family through winter with WILDfest. Running from now until July 13, you can look forward to wildlife encounters, live shows, unlimited rides and even after-dark nocturnal tours for the price of one ticket.

A festival dedicated to hot air balloons is floating over to Mildura. Watch in wonder as over 30 hot air balloons take to the skies across the region, see cool competitions, and join the action by hopping on your own balloon ride. The Balloons Over Mildura festival will run from July 4 to 12. But, you can also visit during the school holidays for sunrise and afternoon flights. Hot air balloon rides are available before the festival from June 27 to July 3, and during the festival from July 4 to 12.